Master of Counselling

To gain entry into the MCouns you must have:

• qualified for a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies or equivalent with a minimum B Grade Point Average
  and either:
• acquired experience in counselling, teaching, nursing, social work, or an equivalent profession; or
• been deemed suitable for training as a counsellor
• and met the requirements stipulated in the Children's Act 2014 prior to gaining entry into the programme.

One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

Selection will be based on academic attainment and other criteria The relevance and standard of previous studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval. You will normally be expected to have at least a B Grade Point Average in your 300-level courses. You must also be vetted by police.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Counselling or use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

Entry to the Counselling programme is limited – applications close 1 October.

See the Counselling application process for details of entry requirements, application forms, and start dates.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

To complete the Master of Counselling you must complete 180 points as follows:

105 points from the following compulsory courses:

• COUN680 - Professional Counselling Practice I

And either:

• COUN685 Professional Counselling Practice II

Or both:

• COUN683 Professional Counselling Practice II (Part A) Part time
• COUN684 Professional Counselling Practice II (Part B) Part time.

And 15 points from the following electives in group 1:

• CFPY405 - Psychology and Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
• PUBH421 - Hauroa Māori
• SOWK612 - Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice

And 15 points from the following electives in group 2:

• HLTH693 - Quantitative Methods in Health
• HLTH470 - Qualitative Research Methods for Health
• or an approved research methods course of at least 15 points

And 45 points from these elective courses in group 3.

Note: changes to the points and courses required for the Master of Counselling are subject to Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission approval. Some details may change.

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.